Feline Friday: Ask Amy & Claw THIS!

I’ve got a cat-tastic update for y’all. Remember last Thursday’s blog about “Thursday” the stray kitty adopted from the City Limits outdoor cafe? Heard back from Jodi Green’s nephew, Deron McCraw, that the kitty’s name is now “Merlin.” And he had his (ahem) ass-ets “fixed” last Friday and is settling into life as a pampered feline at Jodi’s house.

Doncha love happy endings? (pun intended…)

We love cats but don’t always understand them. But cats always have a reason for what they do, even if it seems bizarre to humans. Often, cat owners reward these strange behaviors without realizing it. That’s why many cats develop interesting and unique foibles. But cats around the world share some common behaviors that make owners go, “huh?” For instance, phone fanatics.

And why are cats attracted to plastic? Apparently the plastic tastes good, perhaps because often it’s made from petroleum-based ingredients. What about elevator butt, flipping, and privacy issues–why the holy heck do cats follow us to the potty? My latest Paw Nation article lists 7 weird cat behaviors, and what they mean. There’s bunches, more, though–what did I miss? what are other outrageous behaviors our cats (and dawgs?) indulge? Please share!

One of the biggest challenges cat owners share is SCRATCHING (hissssssssssss). What are some ways we can manage this natural behavior–and if’n y’all start recommending declaw surgery, there’s likely to be a cat fight in the comments section!

What are some of the best ways to naturally handle the pointy-sharp cat parts? Above is the latest ASK AMY topic…but even though I talked fast (HEY! no wise cracks!) couldn’t get all the tips in the short clip. So watch, kitty-kibbitz and add many several cents’ worth to get this topic covered cuz I know there are BRILLIANT cat savvy folks subscribed to this blog.

And yes, for those who asked, there’ll be ASK AMY videos coming soon to cover more crap-piocca dawg topics including how to address dogs eating their own or other’s shhhhh…t (ahem) schtuff. Don’t worry, I’ll give fair warning in case anyone’s in the middle of eating breakfast.

Thanks for this topic; it’s one of the most frustrating issues for families with cats but not so difficult to deal with — as long as you use the cat’s natural instincts to work for you instead of against what you want, as you suggested in your video.

Give them a place (or several!) that are acceptable for you and experiment until you find some that kitty loves too — and then you’re there.

One more tip? Keep kitty’s nails trimmed regularly. While there are several good pet nail clippers available, I personally train kittens by using a human nail clipper while petting them on my lap. They get used to their “grooming session” which for them is also a pleasant experience full of attention and love.

Whichever tool you use, be careful to only trip the ends; don’t cut too close to the quick or you will create not only a painful experience for your kitty but likely also a permanent negative association with nail trimming. If you do the process with care and love, it will get the job done AND create a nice regular habit that will serve both of you well over the lifetime you have your kitty.

Short nails produce less wear and tear when they are used in places you don’t want them — until you cat finds a new way to claw her way to bliss 🙂

Great tips, Nancy! Yes, I started clipping my cat’s claws when she was a kitten–and she’s so tiny I still use my own human nail clippers. It’s easier to trim Seren-kitty’s nails than the Magical-Dawg (he’s a big baby!).

I love my Shady-Cat and he LOVES the sound of crumpling paper. He can be upstairs in the guest bedroom, I can be crumpling paper in my downstairs office closet, and he comes running like you just opened a can of tuna….my other cat, Lucky – could care less.